Music Spotlight: John Enghauser
By: Isaac Davis Jr., BGS, MBA
John Enghauser has crafted the perfect sound that mixes elements of Pop, Rock, Alternative, Country, and Acoustic that has a mass appeal. John recently spoke to our community about his music and what fans new and old can expect from the talented Singer/Songwriter.
Isaac: What was the best part of 2008 for you musically?
John: Making my latest CD and 5th release "Lost in the Pages". Probably my most personal effort ever.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
John: Performing all of the different jobs in recording a CD... Vocals, all instruments (save drums), arrangement, production, marketing.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in area.
John: San Francisco has some of the best venues in the country which attract great artists to visit us regularly. The local scene is a bit more organic than LA which is very pop driven. I feel more of a diversity here [in this area].
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
John: The Red Devil Lounge and Maggie McGarry's. Both draw a crowd and treat their bands well. There are still other venues that I've yet to play and would love to (i.e. The Fillmore and Great American Music Hall).
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influence in the music industry and why?
John: Too many to list, but here are a few... Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, early Genesis, Yes, Earth Wind & Fire, Jamiroquai, Peter Gabriel, Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chilipeppers, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Allan Holdsworth, Level 42, and Weather Report.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
John: I think a freshness. I write completely organically (i.e. without the aid of listening to other songs and copying ideas). Though obviously my ideas have to come from somewhere, I'm not conscious of where. I'm told I write very melodically which has become my trademark. I also put on a very high energy show and no two shows are the same. Lastly, I'm well rounded musically and have a long resume of business experience as well as relationship building.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
John: Tony Banks who is the keyboardist and contributing songwriter for Genesis. I think Maurice White of Earth Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder come a very close second.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
John: ElectroAcoustic Groove Rock. I and others have a hard time categorizing it which I think is a good thing.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
John: Melodic, hooky, refreshing, smart, grooves well, great vocals, and great harmonies.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
John:
www.johnenghauser.com, www.myspace.com/johnenghausermusic www.cdbaby.com/enghauser My music can also be found on iTunes and Amazon.
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
John: More songs. I'm already working on my 6th release. Hopefully, live performances everywhere that I have fans. I'm also working on a publishing deal so you might hear my music in movies and/or performed by other artists.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fan…
John: Thanks to my family, friends and fans for all of your support. You know who you are! Also, a special thanks to my co-producer, Joerg Stoeffel in LA. I couldn't find anyone who's better to work with.
Isaac: Final words…
John: I think the 40 and over crowd is a forgotten demographic for new music. There are so many great artists out there that would appeal to them, but aren't being heard. I think that is about to change.